WHEN the Rector of St Wilfrid's, of Brayton, in York diocese, the Revd Pete Wilson, decided to grow a moustache during November, taking part in the challenge now globally known as Movember, which raises awareness and funds for men's health charities, his Curate, the Revd Richard Battersby, agreed to join him.

"On the whole," Mr Watson said, "men are pretty rubbish when it comes to their health. We need to be aware of the illnesses that can affect men, and encourage men to go to the doctor if they're worried. So, when I decided to take part in Movember this year, I announced it in church. Richard was sitting next to me at the time; so he had to join in, too."

What they had not expected was that the two churchwardens, both women, would encourage them quite so wholeheartedly. "Sue, my fellow churchwarden, decided that we ladies should support Pete and Richard," Carol Snowden declared. "So she gave out false moustaches, and when Pete read out the notice about his fund-raising at the end of church, we all put our moustaches on, and stood up to support them. It's a bit of a laugh, but I hope it raises attention for a good cause."

Mr Battersby was teased a great deal about his moustache. "I've had comments that I look like Poirot, or Captain Mainwaring from Dad's Army. But I don't mind. It's helping raise money for men's health charities. As long as people give me a fiver as well as an insult, I'm happy."